Introduction
Keyless car theft is on the rise.
But it’s not just any type of theft—it’s keyless car theft, also known as relay theft.
Criminals now use relay devices to steal cars in seconds.
Even worse, they don’t break in, force locks, or touch the key.
Instead, they bypass traditional security measures with advanced technology, making keyless car theft shockingly easy.
What’s the risk?
If your car has keyless entry, thieves can amplify your fob’s signal with ease.
As a result, your car gets tricked into unlocking automatically, even if your keys are safely inside your home.
This means that, before you even realise it, criminals can unlock your car in seconds.
All without ever needing to physically touch your key fob.
By simply amplifying its signal, they can trick your car into granting them full access effortlessly.
This means your car is far less secure than you think.
Police have issued urgent safety tips to help drivers defend against this high-tech crime.
If you drive a keyless vehicle, you need to read this.
Keyless Car Theft: What’s Happening In Leeds?
Car thieves are getting smarter.
They no longer need to break windows or force locks. I
Instead, they’re using relay devices to trick cars into unlocking.
Police have confirmed an increase in relay theft cases, with high-value SUVs such as Land Rovers and Range Rovers being the main targets.
A Neighbourhood Police Team recently stated:
“We have unfortunately seen an increase in thefts of motor vehicles.
It is thought that they are being taken using a relay device.”
But how are thieves pulling this off?
How Keyless Car Theft Works (And Why It’s So Dangerous)
Imagine this:
You park your £60,000 Range Rover in your driveway and go inside.
You hang your key fob by the front door, thinking your car is safe.
Minutes later, two thieves approach your house.
One stands near your door, holding a relay device that picks up the signal from your key fob.
The other stands near your car, holding a second relay device that amplifies the signal—tricking the car into thinking the fob is nearby.
The result?
Car unlocks instantly.
Thieves start the engine.
They drive off in seconds—without needing the actual key
And you?
You wake up, look outside, and your car is gone.
Vanished without a trace.
Now, you’re left dealing with police reports, insurance claims, and the stress of replacing your vehicle.
All because of a theft that took mere seconds to pull off.
That’s the danger of relay theft.
Do You Have A Keyless Entry Car? Here’s How To Check
Not sure if your car is at risk?
Here’s how to find out in seconds:
If you have to press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, → You’re safe.
If your car unlocks automatically when your fob is nearby → You’re at risk.
Keyless entry cars allow drivers to:
- Unlock the car without touching the fob.
- Start the engine with just a push-button ignition.
This is convenient—but also makes your car easier to steal.
And if you happen to drive a luxury brand like Land Rover, BMW, or Mercedes, the risk becomes even greater.
These high-end vehicles are prime targets for thieves because of their value, demand, and advanced keyless entry systems, making them even more vulnerable to relay theft.
So what can you do about it?
Police Advice: How To Protect Your Vehicle
Thankfully, there are simple ways to stop relay theft.
Follow these police-approved safety measures:
Keep your key fob away from doors and windows
- This makes it harder for thieves to amplify the signal.
Use a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday pouch)
- These pouches block wireless signals, preventing thieves from intercepting them.
Turn off your fob’s wireless signal (if possible)
- Some car models allow you to disable keyless entry—check your manual.
Re-programme your keys
- This prevents old keys or spare fobs from being used by criminals.
But that’s not all…
Additional Security Measures To Keep Your Car Safe
Police also recommend extra security layers to deter thieves.
Use a steering wheel lock
- A simple but effective physical barrier against theft.
Secure your On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port
- Criminals can use the OBD port to reprogramme keys—consider an OBD lock or relocation.
Park smart
- If you have a garage, use it.
- If parking on a driveway, park a second car in front to block access.
These steps won’t make your car theft-proof, but they will make it far less appealing to criminals.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how relay theft works and how to protect your car, let’s talk about something just as important…
Does your car insurance cover keyless car theft?
Keep reading—the answer may shock you.
Car Insurance & Keyless Car Theft: What You Need To Know
So, if your keyless car is stolen, will your car insurance cover it?
The answer might surprise you.
Most comprehensive car insurance policies do cover vehicle theft, including relay theft.
However, there’s an important detail to consider.
If your insurer believes you were careless—for instance, by leaving your key fob in an unprotected location—your claim could be denied.
How Keyless Car Theft Affects Your Premiums
But that’s not the only concern.
Because keyless cars are easier to steal, some insurance providers have started raising premiums for these vehicles.
This means that even if you haven’t been a victim of theft, your insurance costs could still go up just because your car has keyless entry.
Here’s what you should do now:
Compare multiple car insurance providers to find the best rates.
Read the fine print—some insurers have stricter conditions for keyless theft.
Enhance your car’s security—this could help lower your premium.
Look for the cheapest car insurance that still provides full protection.
Final Safety Checklist: Don’t Let Thieves Win
To sum up, keyless car theft is increasing rapidly.
Criminals can steal your car in under 60 seconds, and once it’s gone, recovery is difficult.
So, what can you do to stay one step ahead?
Follow this police-backed safety checklist:
Keep your key fob far away from doors and windows.
Store your key fob in a Faraday pouch to block its signal
Turn off your key fob’s wireless signal (if your car allows it).
Re-programme your keys so old or cloned keys won’t work.
Use a steering wheel lock or OBD port protector.
Park strategically—if possible, block your car with another vehicle.
At the end of the day, thieves target easy opportunities.
If you make your car more difficult to steal, thieves will likely skip it in favour of an easier target.
After all, criminals look for quick and risk-free opportunities, so adding extra security measures can force them to move on.
Conclusion
Stay One Step Ahead of Thieves
Keyless entry is undeniably convenient.
But unfortunately, it’s also what makes your car a prime target for criminals.
With relay theft becoming more common, police are urging drivers to take extra precautions.
Right now, Land Rovers and Range Rovers are top targets for thieves.
However, that doesn’t mean other keyless cars are safe.
So, what should you do next?
Implement the safety measures outlined in this guide.
Check your car insurance policy for relay theft coverage.
Stay alert—this type of crime isn’t going away anytime soon
Protecting your car can be simple and effective.
But ignoring the risks?
That’s a risk no driver can afford.
For more expert insights, check out these related guides:
- 🔗 5 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance
- 🔗 The Hidden Risks of Car Insurance Fraud
- 🔗 How Much Is Car Insurance for a New Driver?
Take action today, and keep your car where it belongs.
Parked safely on your driveway.
